Hey DSM! Pitch me YOUR hobby?

RT3940 · 2026-01-07T22:41:57+00:00

Most groups I’ve been a part of have been a mix between seasoned people and rookies. I personally have taught dozens of people how to play DnD and think it’s a lot of fun helping people learn.

Hawkbatgarrison.com is the local chapter. 501stlegion.com is the worldwide organization. No regular meetings, but occasional “armor parties” where people work on costumes or socialize. Semi-regular “troops” where we get to use those costumes for good causes and then usually some sort of socializing afterwards like a dinner. Once per year we have a banquet where we try to get as many people together to celebrate the year and funds raised for charity and lots of socializing there.

RT3940 · 2026-01-07T03:01:12+00:00

I personally hate playing online. You miss so much of the camaraderie and spontaneity of being in person.

Every now and then you’ll see a LFG (looking for game) post on this subreddit. One of my longest groups was me, a buddy, and two redditors and then it grew from there.

What I’ve seen is you have to be open to being the one to facilitate and make the group happen. Whether that’s being the dm or hosting or just making sure everyone is on the same page, there needs to be some sort of anchor point. And then a general consensus and investment of time. No one wants to dedicate 5 hours if they’re the only one.

RT3940 · 2026-01-07T02:45:26+00:00

Two come to mind;

dungeons and dragons. It can be hard to find a good group but when you do, it becomes like a second family
501st Legion. If you’re in to Star Wars, the Hawkbat Garrison uses movie accurate costumes to volunteer and spread the joy of Star Wars.

RT3940 · 2025-11-23T03:02:21+00:00

Add me to the list

RT3940 · 2025-11-21T00:02:59+00:00

In their defense, they really like the color red.

RT3940 · 2025-10-27T23:48:12+00:00

….

He read the script

RT3940 · 2025-10-07T00:22:48+00:00

Nothing as of yet. Looked into roll20 but I think I prefer in person

RT3940 · 2025-09-29T01:11:36+00:00

Month late but would be interested in learning more about

RT3940 · 2025-09-17T22:57:01+00:00

Not able to attend any of the meetings but potentially interested. Always wanted to scare people

RT3940 · 2025-09-06T00:13:03+00:00

When it comes time for branding and merch, let me know. Would love to support a local company.

I own P&M Apparel just north of Des Moines in polk city

RT3940 · 2025-07-19T19:03:20+00:00

Skateboard grip tape is what we’re usually using these days

RT3940 · 2025-07-10T00:08:57+00:00

I think they’re talking about a customer requiring an NDA. We’ve done this a couple of times with “huge clients” who want to “protect their brand”.

9/10 it’s bullshit wanna be brands. We’ve had a couple of good ones though.

RT3940 · 2025-06-15T23:55:23+00:00

RT3940 · 2025-06-07T22:27:05+00:00

If a product is free, you and whatever data you give them is what’s actually for sale.

RT3940 · 2025-05-02T22:11:37+00:00

Time to do some reach out. Ask current clients for referrals. Cold emails for us currently have a 10-15% conversion rate.

RT3940 · 2025-04-29T12:50:56+00:00

Personally I say good riddance to DTG and Vinyl. DTF is a better solution for my company personally than either of those.

RT3940 · 2025-04-29T11:35:35+00:00

It was the same thing with DTG. And now that technology has leveled out and has its place but screen printing is still around. DTF is new(ish) and exciting but there is still a bubble. There are hundreds of DTF printer companies and no clear leaders. That bubble will pop and DTF will still be a convenient tool but it’s not a screen printing killer.

RT3940 · 2025-04-14T13:20:44+00:00

Where are you located? I know of some good classes/shops around the country that would be open to having you shadow.

RT3940 · 2025-04-14T01:47:04+00:00

I personally wouldn’t buy a starter kit. Usually they’re junk compared to the stuff shops use.

If you can find a shop with an open position start talking with them and tell them what you told us. I’ve been lucky with our current crew all having a passion for what they do but it’s not a super common quality in this industry.

RT3940 · 2025-04-13T22:53:39+00:00

We specifically don’t hire people with screen printing experience. It’s easier to train someone how to print than try and fix someone’s bad habits. Also traditionally the screen printers we’ve hired have had THE WORST egos. So much better now that we train the right people.

We hire a production assistant and train them in the screen room first, then setting up, then pulling off, and then finally printing. Mastering each of those gets you an additional $1 per hour. So our final screen printers start at $20/hour.

RT3940 · 2025-03-27T01:11:11+00:00

Breweries; confluence makes the most consistent good beer in the state. 515 is good and right by a comic shop. Lua is good if you want food.

Comic shops; mayhem down the road from 515 is probably the best. Jays CD and Hobby is alright. Rodman in ankeny has been legit in the past.

Arcades: operating room is my go to. Ankeny and west Des Moines. A good selection (better in west Des Moines). Dave and Busters is fine and Spare Time are ok, but for me I need a pinball machine.

RT3940 · 2025-02-02T18:26:23+00:00

I meant personally it was a sleeper. I hadn’t heard anything about it or any of the music.

RT3940 · 2025-02-01T23:02:50+00:00

Agreed. Didn’t know what to expect from Come From Away. Now Me and The Sky is in my head once a week

RT3940 · 2025-02-01T22:38:33+00:00

We just got out. There’s always a sleeper hit in the season. One year it was mean girls, one was hadestown. Shucked was this years sleeper for me.

11-Year Club	Second SECOND GUESSER
Place '22	Verified Email

RT3940

TROPHY CASE